Senior trio reaching end

When the clock hits 0:00 tonight at the end of the Ionia girls basketball team's game against Portland, three players will walk of the home floor for the final time in a Bulldog uniform.

Seniors Kendra Nickell, Megan Nickell and Erika Ketchum will be playing in their final home game tonight. A game that all three say came up faster than they ever thought it would.

"The year has gone by so fast, Megan said. "It seems like we just played Alma (in the season opener) yesterday."

The group has made their mark on the Ionia program over the years with their commitment to their teammates and coaches. They are being rewarded in their final season with a winning record, the first for the Lady Dawgs (11-7) since 2008.

"Last week we got our 11th win, which guarantees us a winning season," Ketchum said. "Its the first one the three of us have had, so its special."

Ionia Coach Andy Barr said this year's senior class stands out to him for their commitment to the program, even during some tough seasons.

"This is a group of seniors that helped bring us back to having a winning record," he said. "We haven't had a winning record in four years, so this group has stuck it out together, worked hard and battled through some tough times.

"They weathered it and have been rewarded this year."

Although happy with their win-loss record this season, the seniors said their teammates and coaches are what has made their high school careers enjoyable.

Along with having the most successful year of their careers, all three say that their favorite on the court moments took place this season.

For Both Kendra and Megan, winning both games against rival St. Johns was the accomplishment that stands out.

"We have been smashed by (St. Johns) in the past, so beating them twice was nice," Megan said.

"It was definitely nice change of pace," Kendra added.

Ketchum said finally getting a win over county rival Lakewood was her favorite moment.

The seniors will be honored prior to the start of the varsity game tonight. Although there was talk of having the senior night festivities before last Friday's contest, due to the Rivals for a Cure/Coaches vs. Cancer activities tonight, Barr said it didn't feel right not honoring the seniors before their final home game.

"There's a lot going on tomorrow," he said. "We talked about having senior night last Friday, but we just came to the conclusion that it's best to have it on there last home game.

"That's where it belongs."

The senior night festivities will commence following the JV game.

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